Reflections on the art of white space in traditional Chinese painting
Chinese painting possesses a unique oriental charm. To explore the characteristics of blank space in traditional Chinese painting, this article conducts an in-depth study of its expressive forms. This article discusses the aesthetic value of blank space in traditional Chinese painting and the philosophical reflections on blank space in Chinese tradition. The aesthetic value of blank space in traditional Chinese painting can be understood as its ability to create a pictorial atmosphere and highlight the formal beauty of the painting, expressed through the composition of the painting. The philosophical reflections on Chinese tradition and blank space reveal the intricate connection between blank space in traditional Chinese painting and Chinese philosophical thought, thus further analyzing it from a philosophical perspective. Starting with Taoism and Confucianism, this article analyzes the influence of these four philosophical ideologies on the art of blank space in Chinese painting. The art of blank space in Chinese painting not only embodies the philosophical spirit of nature, freedom, and expansiveness, but also embodies the state of “harmony between man and nature.” The subtle brushstrokes create a variety of blank spaces, and the Taoist contrasts of emptiness and reality, existence and non-existence, evoke endless reverie and boundless memories. The aesthetic characteristics of traditional Chinese blank painting highlight the philosophical thoughts of Taoism and Confucianism, and embody the aesthetic achievements of China’s unique oriental charm in shaping the artistic spirit. The author declares no conflicts of interests.
Keywords
art of white space, aesthetic value, philosophical reflectionAuthors
| Name | Organization | |
| Liu Luteng | National Research Tomsk State University | 1204657572@qq.com |
References
Reflections on the art of white space in traditional Chinese painting | Tomsk State University Journal of Cultural Studies and Art History. 2025. № 60. DOI: 10.17223/22220836/60/20